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Men’s UNLV Runnin Rebels Slide Into An Easy 89-47 Win

Originally posted on Dice City Sports
By Jesse VanDerveer | Last updated Dec 30, 2025 3:00 PM ET

The Rebels faced off against the 7-7 La Sierra Golden Eagles on Dec. 29. UNLV won 89-47, handing the Golden Eagles their eighth loss of the season. It was a game that was over in the first half. The Rebels led 49-19 at the half and ended with a 42-point lead at the final buzzer.

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This win marks their highest lead differential of the season and improves the Rebels to 6-6 overall. UNLV is in its first season under head coach Josh Pastner, with forward Jacob Bannarbie the lone returner from last year’s roster.

Every game this season has featured one or two players who stood out. This game featured guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn and Bannarbie leading the run. Gibbs-Lawhorn led the Rebels in points with 19. He also recorded 2 rebounds and 3 assists on 66.7 percent from the first. Bannarbie was the other player to lead the team. He had 7 points and a team-high 12 rebounds.

UNLV had four players score in double figures and its defense did the rest. La Sierra managed just one double-figure scorer. Forward Mateo Hamilton finished with 12 points on 33.3 percent shooting.

These performances gave UNLV another reason for optimism as Mountain West play continues.